One of the main outputs of the TranStat project (Transitions to Sustainable Ski Tourism in the Alps of Tomorrow) is the publication of the Policy Paper “Rethinking Winter Tourism in the Alps”, which synthesizes the project’s key findings and policy recommendations for a sustainable transition of Alpine winter tourism. The document provides concrete guidance for policymakers at European, Alpine, and national levels, aiming to support mountain resorts in adapting to climate change while fostering economic diversification, social cohesion, and environmental resilience.
The Policy Paper was developed by the TranStat consortium and officially presented during the project’s closing event in Brussels on October 28, where it received broad endorsement from initiatives and networks committed to mountain transitions, including BeyondSnow (Interreg Alpine Space), PITON (Pyrenees Innovation for a Holistic Mountain Transition), MountResilience (Horizon Europe), and Euromontana, which has actively supported the dissemination and policy dialogue surrounding the document.
Here are the key messages of the paper:
- At the European level, the paper calls for a stronger and more coherent recognition of mountain areas within EU policies and the development of a European Mountain Pact post-2027 to ensure dedicated support for mountain territories in transition.
- At the Alpine regional level, it proposes the institutionalization of participatory planning mechanisms that engage local communities, the strengthening of training and vocational education to develop transition skills, the integration of tourism, mobility, land use, and environmental policies into a unified approach and finally the creation of a permanent Alpine Transition Working Table under the auspices of EUSALP.
- At the national level, it advocates for the strengthening of governance and technical capacity in small municipalities, the inclusion of climate adaptation and risk prevention in tourism policies, and the promotion of diversified and greener mountain economies supported by education and innovation.
Overall, the Policy Paper reflects a collective effort to rethink the future of winter tourism in the Alps. It represents a concrete step from research to action — a shared commitment by the TranStat consortium and its partners to ensure that Alpine regions become more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable places to live, work, and visit in the face of accelerating climate and economic change.
You can read the position paper at this link: https://www.alpine-space.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Position-Paper-FINAL-VERSION-.pdf